Generalized compton effect and resonance scattering in astrophysical spectra

The analysis of the Skylab measurements on the ultraviolet limb spectra confirm the presence of a generalized Compton effect in the solar spectrum which can be explained by Thomson scattering theory. The present measurements on the Orion spectrum and interstellar line towards -Arae give a large generalized Compton effect which could be explained by a resonance scattering theory. These numerical results cannot be due to random errors in the measurements, as follows from the statistical discussion. The need for further measurements is pointed out.